Lupus Science & Medicine

Using photovoice to investigate patient experiences of lupus nephritis in Canada
Cardwell FS, Elliott SJ, Barber MRW, Cheema K, George S, Boucher A and Clarke AE
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting up to 60% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The perspectives of patients with SLE have been explored; however, little is known of the lived experiences of patients with LN.
HNF-1β alleviates podocyte injury in lupus nephritis by maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis
Zou HM, Yu J, Ruan YY, Xie Y, An XM, Chen PL, Luo YQ, Shi MJ, Liu M, Xu LF, Liu J, Guo B and Zhang F
The current study aims to elucidate the critical function of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1-β) in lupus nephritis (LN) by investigating its modulation of the Derlin-1/valosin-containing protein (VCP)/VCP-interacting membrane selenoprotein (VIMP) complex, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and podocyte apoptosis.
Myocardial Performance Index to assess cardiac function in autoimmune connective tissue disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Hidayat R, Nasution SA, Parlindungan F, Dalimunthe NN, Alvianto S, Widjanarko ND, Kultsum U, Efendi C and Gotama Y
This study aimed to evaluate cardiac function using Myocardial Performance Index (MPI) in autoimmune connective tissue disease (ACTD) patients without cardiovascular abnormalities.
Comparison of a voclosporin-based triple immunosuppressive therapy to high-dose glucocorticoid-based immunosuppressive therapy: a propensity analysis of the AURA-LV and AURORA 1 studies and ALMS
Dall'Era M, Kalunian K, Solomons N, Truman M, Hodge LS, Yap E and Askanase AD
High-dose glucocorticoid (GC)-based dual immunosuppressive treatment regimens are still frequently used in active lupus nephritis (LN) despite their known association with dose-dependent toxicities and incomplete efficacy. We hypothesised that the addition of voclosporin to low-dose GCs and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) would reduce exposure to the toxicities of high-dose GC-based dual immunosuppressive therapy regimens, resulting in an improved safety profile without compromising efficacy.
Role of intravenous immunoglobulins in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus: a single-centre experience
Kaya MN, Kılıç Ö, Canbaş M, Özgünen MS, Güneş EÇ and Yılmaz S
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology that can affect almost any organ in the body. Although there are no specific guidelines for the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IG) in the treatment of patients with SLE, it is thought to be an effective treatment. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intravenous IG and to describe the possible profile of patients with SLE who are candidates for intravenous IG treatment.
Development of a predictive model for systemic lupus erythematosus incidence risk based on environmental exposure factors
Zhang Y, Zhao C, Lei Y, Li Q, Jin H and Lu Q
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterised by a loss of immune tolerance, affecting multiple organs and significantly impairing patients' health and quality of life. While hereditary elements are essential in the onset of SLE, external environmental influences are also significant. Currently, there are few predictive models for SLE that takes into account the impact of occupational and living environmental exposures. Therefore, we collected basic information, occupational background and living environmental exposure data from patients with SLE to construct a predictive model that facilitates easier intervention.
Evaluation and randomised controlled trial of home urinalysis testing in patients with SLE at elevated risk for developing lupus nephritis: a study protocol
Gold HT, El Shahawy O, Izmirly PM, Masson M, Cohen B and Buyon JP
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a frequent complication of SLE, occurring in up to 60% of adult patients and ultimately progressing from acute inflammation to chronicity with fibrosis and end-stage kidney failure in 10%-30% of patients. Racial/ethnic minority patients with lupus have worse long-term outcomes, including progression to end-stage renal disease and overall mortality. A major challenge in the management of patients with SLE is delayed identification of early kidney disease, which ultimately leads to a greater burden on both patients and the health system.
Altered structural and functional homotopic connectivity associated with cognitive changes in SLE
Ni S, An N, Li C, Ma Y, Qiao P and Ma X
Previous studies have revealed functional changes within the cerebral hemispheres of patients with SLE; however the changes between cerebral hemispheres are still unknown. The present study aimed to explore the functional and structural changes between bilateral hemispheres using functional MRI and find their relationship with cognition in patients with SLE.
Renal response status to predict long-term renal survival in patients with lupus nephritis: results from the Toronto Lupus Cohort
Urowitz M, Georgiou ME, Touma Z, Su J, Diaz-Martinez JP, Fu Q, Levy RA, Gairy K, MacKinnon A, Anderson N and Juliao PC
To evaluate modified versions of the Belimumab International Study in Lupus Nephritis (BLISS-LN) belimumab study primary efficacy renal response (mPERR) and complete renal response (mCRR) criteria (excluding mandatory corticosteroid tapering) as predictors of real-world, long-term renal outcomes among patients with lupus nephritis (LN).
Interferon-α as a biomarker to predict renal outcomes in lupus nephritis
Whittall Garcia LP, Gladman DD, Urowitz M, Bonilla D, Schneider R, Touma Z and Wither J
To determine if serum interferon (IFN)-α levels at the time of a lupus nephritis (LN) flare are associated with renal outcomes.
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in circulating cell-free DNA as a potential diagnostic biomarker for SLE
Tong X, Chen W, Ye L, Xiong Y, Xu Y, Luo Y, Xia X, Xu Z, Lin Y, Zhu X, Wang N, Xue X, Zhang H and Guo G
SLE is a complex autoimmune disease with heterogeneous manifestations and unpredictable outcomes. Early diagnosis is challenging due to non-specific symptoms, and current treatments only manage symptoms. Epigenetic alternations, including 5-Hydroxymethylome (5hmC) modifications, are important contributors to SLE pathogenesis. However, the 5hmC modification status in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of patients with SLE remains largely unexplored. We investigated the distribution of 5hmC in cfDNA of patients with SLE and healthy controls (HCs), and explored its potential as an SLE diagnosis marker.
Methyl-donor supplementation in women with systemic lupus erythematosus with different nutritional status: the protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
da Mota JCNL, Carvalho LM, Ribeiro AA, Souza LL, Borba EF, Roschel H, Gualano B and Nicoletti CF
DNA hypomethylation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been recently documented in the literature. Low levels of DNA methylation have been observed globally and in genes associated with immune and inflammatory pathways in SLE's CD4+T lymphocytes. Given that certain micronutrients can either donate methyl groups within one-carbon metabolism pathways or serve as cofactors for enzymes involved in the DNA methylation process, this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aims to investigate whether a 3-month supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B will modulate the DNA methylation profile in subcutaneous adipose tissue (primary outcome) of women with SLE and normal weight or excess body weight. As secondary objectives, we will assess gene expression, telomere length and phenotypic characteristics (ie, clinical parameters, body weight and composition, abdominal circumference, food intake and disordered eating attitude, physical activity, lipid profile, serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and cytokines).
Clinical features of Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuritis associated with SLE
Wang J, Zhang Z, Qian J, Zhang S, Qiao L, Li M, Zhao Y and Zeng X
We report on the clinical characteristics, treatments and outcomes of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuritis (CIDP) associated with SLE.
Validating claims-based algorithms for a systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis in Medicare data for informed use of the Lupus Index: a tool for geospatial research
Feldman C, Curtis JR, Oates JC, Yazdany J and Izmirly P
This study aimed to validate claims-based algorithms for identifying SLE and lupus nephritis (LN) in Medicare data, enhancing the use of the Lupus Index for geospatial research on SLE prevalence and outcomes.
Improving routine mental health screening for depression and anxiety in a paediatric lupus clinic: a quality improvement initiative for enhanced mental healthcare
El Tal T, Chen A, Wong S, Jeyanathan A, Longmore A, Convery H, Finkelstein D, Hiraki L, Kulkarni C, Lerman N, Leslie K, Levy DM, Lorber S, Mwizerwa O, Ng L, Rawal V, Smith E, Toulany A and Knight AM
Mental health (MH) conditions are prevalent in adolescents with childhood-onset SLE (cSLE). Early identification is crucial in preventing poor patient outcomes; however, MH screening rates remain low.
Dancing with disorder: chorea - an unusual and neglected manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome
Hu S, Zhou Y, Li M, Zeng X and Zhao J
Chorea, characterised by involuntary, irregular movements, is a rare neurological manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The specific clinical features remain unclear. This study aimed to summarise the available evidence on antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-associated chorea.
Effect of hydroxychloroquine on pregnancy outcome in patients with SLE: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Zhu Q, Wang J, Sun Q, Xie Z, Li R, Yang Z, Song Z, Yang K and Zhao T
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an antimalarial drug employed in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Prior studies reported inconsistent results regarding the association between HCQ use during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of HCQ on pregnancy-related outcomes in women with SLE.
VPS13C and STING expression in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: unveiling an unbreached territory
Ebaid AM, Zakaria MA, Mekkawy EM, Nageeb RS, Elfwakhry RM, Seleem DA, Shabana MA and Esawy MM
To measure the expression level of the vacuolar protein sorting 13 (VPS13) gene and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in patients with SLE with and without reported neuropsychiatric symptoms to establish their possible role in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE).
Utility of skin biopsy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Hobayan CGP, Korman A and Lin J
Real-world treatment patterns in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: associations with comorbidities and damage
Eviatar T, Yahalom R, Livnat I, Elboim M, Elkayam O, Chodick G, Rosenberg V and Paran D
To assess treatment patterns and the association between long-term glucocorticoid (GC) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use and damage accrual in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
SARS-CoV-2 spike aggravates lupus nephritis and lung fibrosis in systemic lupus erythematosus
Lee YS, Woo JS, Jhun J, Choi JW, Lee AR, Lee KH, Choi H, Park SH and Cho ML
COVID-19 induces the development of autoimmune diseases, including SLE, which are characterised by inflammation, autoantibodies and thrombosis. However, the effects of COVID-19 on SLE remain unclear.